“I am a firm supporter of the Palestinian people and welcome
this small victory for the growing Palestinian-led global Boycott, Divestment
and Sanction (BDS) movement.

“The festival carries on a proud literary tradition in Kerry
and this decision enhances its reputation as being courageous and principled
too. I am delighted to congratulate the festival organisers for this positive
gesture which I know the Palestinian people will appreciate as they struggle
for freedom, justice and equality.

“I have visited many Palestinian camps around the Middle
East. The injustice being endured by the Palestinian people is appalling and
their efforts to nurture international solidarity are to be supported.

“I see also that the festival is clarifying that the issue
was not with the writer concerned, who will still come to the festival, but the
issue is with accepting funding from the embassy of the state of Israel which
has consistently violated the human rights of the Palestinian people in its
ongoing war against them and their culture.

“I wish the Listowel Writers’ Week the very best
for this year’s event and reiterate my support for Palestine and my pride that
the organisers of the festival will support the cultural boycott of Israel.”